Readings | XI Strength

XI

Strength

Discipline, boldness, self-discipline, power, vitality

Upright: Facing the reality of a situation.  Thinking for one’s self even in the face of frightening adversity. Bringing your behaviors and past leanings under the control of reason. Taking action to change for the greater good.

Farhrenheit 451

(1953)

Montag’s evolution as a character is greatly influenced by a young girl named Clarisse. She fearlessly and kindly pursues his friendship even though he is a fireman, a burner of books, the societal dragon.  She reminds him to see nature and people.  She brings him acorns and dandelions.  Through her bravery, he begins to realize he needs to change.  She is represented in the dandelion on his lapel.

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"But Clarisse’s favorite subject wasn’t herself. It was everyone else, and me. She was the first person in a good many years I’ve really liked. She was the first person I can remember who looked straight at me as if I counted.”